ld. The mansion was quiet, too quiet for a house that usually hummed with staff activity by seven. Evelyn had re

handbags that could stock a luxury boutique. Most of it had been chosen by stylists hired by Victoria Knight, purchased with Alexand

d the coutu

d. It was the only luggage she truly owned. Into it she folded the few personal items that mattered: soft cashmere sweaters she had bought hers

crypted external drive, two passports (one in her maiden name), a small jewelry pouch containing only the pieces

no second-guessing. Every item placed in the suitcas

ing her reflection. Her hazel eyes were slightly red from the tears shed hours earlier, but her expression was steady. She p

perform perfection for people wh

taircase for the last time, suitcase in one hand, a lightweight trench coat draped over her

y leaving? The older woman's voi

l, reassuring smile.

o appear and stop this absurdity. When no one came, she lowered he

urse

thing these past three years. You'

This house won't be

oman's hand gently. T

driver stepped out to take her suitcase without a word. Evelyn paused on the top step, turning once to look back

her mind. Wedding photos taken on these steps. Quiet dinners i

rge of grief, only a pr

closed the door. The car glided smoothly down the long driveway, past the sec

id not l

mansion had

pping dramatically in the wind. She parked with a flourish in the exact spot Evelyn

far more luggage than Evelyn had taken for a permanent departure. Sophia stepped out in sky-high heels

n the foyer, arms open.

rfume clouding the air. Thank you, Vi

already in hand despite the early hour. About time thi

ctorious. Don't worry. I have decorator

ll be home by six. He wants t

eamed. Perfect. I brou

Sophia's heels clicking possessively across t

stentatious for her new life were removed from the master closet to make room for Sophia's wardrobe. Toiletries cleared fr

carefully despite the circumstances. She alone seemed to sense the shift in t

space with proprietary delight. She ran manicured fingers along th

d behind sipping champagne. But it needs co

n always dressed thi

r thing. No wonder Alexander got bored. Can

ength mirror, striking po

sh flowers herself, an unusual task for her sele

ined to the florist over the ph

elongings filled the closets, her perfume lingered in the hallways, h

He stepped out looking every inch the conquering CEO, briefc

neck and kissing him deeply right there in the open f

e, darling,

half-smile. The

, glasses raised. To new be

nking with the women. For a mom

louder something tugged at the edge of his awareness. A faint trace of j

smiss

re a private chef had prepared a decadent dinner

d, raising her gl

letting the mom

e forgotten items: a small sketchbook Evelyn had left behind, a coffee mug wi

chbook's cover, then slipped it into her

ided, didn't belong

ow, casting long shadows

ccupant loud, triumphan

ad left behind, the walls s

ible wife

cracks began to appear in the empire tha